Arsenal confirm Podolski exit as Wenger eyes defensive recruits

ARSENAL yesterday confirmed that striker Lukas Podolski has joined Italian side Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season.

Germany World Cup winner Podolski has found himself on the periphery of Arsenal’s first-team picture this term, failing to start a Premier League fixture and only managing a miserly 99 minutes of top-flight football.

The 29-year-old joined Arsenal from Cologne in an £11m move in 2012 before netting 31 goals in 82 matches for the north Londoners but will now work under former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini at the San Siro.

“I’ve loved every minute playing for Arsenal and I hope I have left my mark on the club and fans alike. Hopefully we shall meet again,” wrote Podolski on Instagram.

St Etienne centre-half Loic Perrin, meanwhile, has claimed Arsenal have spoken to him about a potential move to Emirates Stadium as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger bids to strengthen his defensive reinforcements.

“I was contacted personally. Arsenal are interested,” said Perrin. “But for now, there is still no contact with Saint Etienne.”